No namaz in public spaces, UP Police issues notice to private companies

On Tuesday, the Uttar Pradesh Police has asked companies and offices in Noida’s industrial hub ensuring that their employees don’t offer namaz in open public spaces, including parks. If anyone found offering namaz in public spaces, the company will be held responsible.

The Sector 58 police station has issued a notice stating that companies located in the industrial area will be held responsible if any of their Muslim employees are found offering namaz in open public spaces. All the companies in Noida have been asked to offer Friday prayers during their work hours in mosques, eidgahs or inside the premises of the company.

The notice also rejected earlier plea to city magistrate seeking permission to offer prayer in the park.

The recent development comes close on the heels of an Allahabad High Court decision on December 20, rejecting a petition seeking permission to offer namaz’ at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The High Court also imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the petitioner, saying the appeal was filed for cheap publicity.